Athens, GA (Best E Casino) - Georgia head football coach Mark Richt was rewarded with an $800,000 raise Thursday after the Bulldogs finished as the second-ranked team in the nation in 2007.

The raise improves Richt's annual compensation from $2 million to $2.8 million per year. He currently has six years remaining on the eight-year contract he signed following the 2005 season.

"It's a blessing for me and my family to be at UGA," said Richt. "We've been treated extraordinarily well and look forward to being at Georgia for many years to come. I'm very appreciative of the confidence in our program on the part of the administration and the Athletic Board."

Georgia won its final seven games in 2007, including the 41-10 victory over No. 10 Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl en route to an 11-2 finish.

Richt is 72-19 with two Southeastern Conference championships in seven years at the school.

"We're appreciative of the Athletic Board's support for this well-deserved raise," said UGA director of athletics Damon Evans. "Coach Richt has 72 wins in his seven seasons at Georgia and is currently the fourth winningest active coach in the country. He's become not only one of the top coaches in college football but also an outstanding member of our University and Athens area communities."